ACT AND BYRON SHIRE LEAD THE CHARGE TOWARDS TRANSITION TO 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar Citizens has congratulated the ACT Government and Byron Shire Council for becoming the first Australian regions to join an international network of cities and regions aiming for 100 per cent renewable energy.

The move comes less than a day after some of the world’s leading brands, including the BMW Group and Coca-Cola, announced that they will source 100 per cent of their electricity from renewable energy such as solar.

Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said the community loves solar and is ready for more Australian cities and regions to follow the example set by the ACT and Byron Shire.

“The ACT and Byron Shire are showing our nation and the world that more renewable energy can create a clean, safe future for all of us - with the bonus of local jobs and investment,” she said.

“Renewable energy gives us so much potential to innovate and it also helps families to take control of their power bills.

“The community is ready for a 100 per cent renewable future. A recent poll by the Australian Institute showed three in four Canberrans surveyed (78 per cent) support the territory’s 100 per cent renewables target.

“The same poll also found almost three in four Australians from outside of Canberra (72 per cent) said they wanted a similar policy in their home state.

“Solar and renewables are here now, ready for all levels of government to facilitate the clean energy future Australians want to see. Australia is one of the sunniest countries on earth and we have the technology and expertise to make the most of it - all it takes is the political will to get renewables moving.

“Australians want our government to be leading the pack and investing in more renewable energy, not less,” Ms O’Rourke said.